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Meeting of the Elders:
The Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo Mama & Native American Elders
May 6 - 8, 2011

A delegation of spiritual elders (Mamas and Sages) of the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo people and Native American Elders from the Algonquin, Havasupai, Hopi, Mohawk, Navajo, Ojibwe Anishinaabe and Tewa traditions are coming together for a very rare and unique meeting to reveal their insights about the state and future of Mother Earth. The gathering is an expression of dialogue and reciprocity to Heal Mother Earth for now and for future generations. This “Meeting of the Elders” promises rare spiritual dialogues and dramatic encounters in the face of the prophetic year 2012.

The Kogui, Arhuacos, Wiwa and Kankuamos are the four indigenous peoples living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains of northern Colombia, in South America.  They are probably the only civilization to have survived the European conquest of the Americas with their culture and traditions intact, despite years of contact with Western culture, thanks to their secluded mountainous home and the strength of their convictions.
 
They view themselves as our "Elder Brothers", whose mission since time immemorial is to preserve the balance of Mother Earth in order to ensure the survival of the human race. Some of the Kogi are coming for the first time out of their traditional territory to deliver their message of the original instructions they have upheld through time immemorial.

The Elders will reflect upon how, through their ancient wisdom, they can help bring about a deeper understanding of the original instructions that constitute the key to preserving this sacred balance. Numerous indigenous cultures of the Western hemisphere have kept alive a prophecy that foretold how native peoples will come together and reunite as one, known as the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor. In the South, Center and North, many native peoples share its foretelling about balance and harmony, and about how intellect and spirituality should come together as one.  Our Elders tell us that we will unite and get our strength back like many arrows that will not be broken. They remember the history to keep the fire alive. We have to come together to be one, to have complete understanding.

The Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo Mamas have said this visit represents an opportune moment to convey a message to the world, when a great part of humanity is eagerly seeking guidance in the midst of the different circumstances around the planet that make it evident it is a critical point in time that calls for profound change...
 
The Mamas mention the “return of sacred elements to their places of origin, which in part is what will help bring about the shift in human consciousness” as part of yet another message wherein they ask how modern society perceives their role in repairing the very life sources that sustain its own survival and the survival of all peoples on the planet. This reflection they say, “…will ultimately be what helps recover the sacred balance on our Mother Earth.”

During the last five centuries, the Eagle, representing the material world, has reigned. The Eagle dominated the Condor, who represents the world of the spirit and the heart, and symbolizes the wisdom of the native nations. According to the prophecy, we are now at the beginning of the “Fifth Pachacuti“, an era when the Condor is rising and will fly side by side with the Eagle.

The Kogui will send the following delegation to the Catskills:
•    Mamo Pedro Juan Noevita - Kogui Spiritual Authority
•    Mamo José Gabriel Limaco Dingula - Kogui Spiritual Authority
•    Mamo Julio Pinto Gil - Wiwa Spiritual Authority
•    Ñankwa Chaparro - Arhuaco Spiritual Authority
•    Jacinto Zarabata - Kogui Organizational Leader

Native North American delegations will include:
•    Louise McDonald - Bear Clan Mother Tewakierahkwa
•    Thunder Cloud - ceremonial singer supporting Louise McDonald
•    Mona Polacca M.S.W. is a Havasupai, Hopi, and Tewa Native American Elder
      whose tribal affiliation is of the Colorado River Indian Tribes of Parker, Arizona.
      She is a member of The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers.
•    Josephine Whiteduck – Clan Mother Algonquin – Chef William Commanda's
      daughter
•    Harold Joseph, Jr. Hopi, Shungopavi Village Elder
•    Monique Renaud- Algonquin- Pres. of Canadian Metis alliance
•    Alden Narnjo, JR.  Southern Ute, Indian Tribe, Ignacio, CO President of NAC US,
     45 year Sun Dancer
•    Jake Singer, Navajo, 22 year Sun Dancer, Commander for Walk with Warrior
•    Brian Nish Nung Matrious Ojibwe Anishinaabe and Connie Moose Ojibwe
     Anishinaabe
 

Program Schedule

Friday, May 6

3 – 8pm         Check in for overnight guests staying the entire weekend and arrival of
                        the Elders (please note, dinner will not be provided for guests this
                        evening)


Saturday, May 7

8 – 9:15am        Breakfast for overnight guests and the Elders
   
8 – 9:15am        Check-in for commuters

9:30am              Opening ceremony

> Sierra Pueblos – spokesperson announce the four peoples of La Sierra

> Welcome & prayer by Mohawk delegation

> Welcome & prayer by other Native American Elders

> Sierra delegation offer their presentation

1 – 2pm              Lunch

2:30 – 5pm         Sierra delegation present sacred elements to be returned to native
                              peoples of North America, based on their divinations. Native
                              American elders speak.

5 – 6:30pm         Free time

6:30 pm              Dinner


Sunday, May 8

8:30 – 9:30am    Breakfast

10:00am             Sierra delegation speak of their ancient relationship with sacred sites

12:30 – 1:30pm  Lunch

2 – 3:30pm         Native American closing prayers and comments

3:30pm               Departure

Note:  the ceremonial activities will be outside at the sacred fire and the talking circle will be held at conference center.


Tuition
Full Program – $150 (per person)

Saturday Only – $100 (per person)

Accommodations
Dorm Rate for Full Event – $200 (per person) for two-night stay

Commuter Rate for Full Program – $73 (includes Sunday lunch in addition to Saturday lunch & dinner)

Commuter Rate for Saturday Only – $55 (includes Saturday lunch & dinner)

Camping Rate for Full Event – $100 (includes Sunday lunch in addition to Saturday lunch and dinner)

Camping Rate for Saturday Only – $65 (includes Saturday lunch and dinner)

Cancellation Policy

- If you cancel two weeks prior to the program, you will receive a 100% refund, minus a $35 processing fee.

- If you cancel one full day to two weeks prior to the program, you will receive full credit, minus a $35 processing fee, which can be applied to any other Tibet House sponsored program at Menla. This credit is valid for one year.

- If you cancel the day of the program or do not show up for any reason, no refund or credit will be given.

Tibet House US/Menla Mountain Retreat reserves the right to cancel any program at any time for low enrollment or circumstances beyond our control. Should this happen, a full refund will be offered.

See above.